Field volunteers to work with red squirrels (Kluane, Yukon, Canada)

We are looking for 3 volunteers to assist with fieldwork for the period of February 20 to the end of May, 2015, and a further 5 volunteers from May through August (please note: there is the exciting possibility of linking this position with a 壮ister study' on Columbian ground squirrels in Alberta. See below). The positions are part of a long-term study of red squirrel population dynamics. As a member of the study, assistants will be involved with monitoring the reproduction and survival of individuals. Fieldwork will involve live-trapping and handling of animals, radio-telemetry, behavioural observation, and climbing trees to find young in nests. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience working with a collaborative research team on a long-term study of a wild mammal.

All fieldwork is carried out in the beautiful backdrop of southwestern Yukon, Canada. We will be staying at a rustic field station two hours from Whitehorse. Food and accommodation are provided. Volunteers are required to provide for their own travel to Edmonton, Alberta; however, travel from Edmonton to the field station (and back again!) is provided.

Training will be provided and no experience is necessary, but candidates should have an interest in a number of the following: ecology, evolutionary biology, wildlife, field biology, and animal behaviour. The field camp is remote and low tech (no showers, cell phone service, or internet), so successful applicants must enjoy the outdoors and be able to remain a positive and responsible team member under relatively isolated and demanding conditions. Candidates must be in good physical condition, be willing to climb trees, and have an enthusiasm for learning. We work on 壮quirrel time', which often involves long work days; as such, applicants must have a strong work ethic. That said, the atmosphere at squirrel camp is friendly and inclusive, and this area is one of the most beautiful in Canada.

Columbian ground squirrel study: We are also involved with a similar long-term study on Columbian ground squirrels in Kananaskis, Alberta. We are thus able to provide the opportunity for interested applicants to be involved with both programs. Volunteers would begin work on red squirrels in February and switch to ground squirrels for May to August 31. Both projects use a similar approach (lifetime monitoring using live-trapping and observation), but are conducted in two different landscapes and on species differing in natural history (e.g., winter-active vs. hibernating). If you are interested in this joint opportunity, please see our advertisement on this webpage and mention it in your application.

If you wish to apply for one of these posts then please send a CV with a cover letter and contact details for three references (with e-mail addresses), by email to Ainsley Sykes (contact info below), by January 30, 2015.

Contact:
Ainsley Sykes via email: asykes@ualberta.ca
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta
Twitter: @KluaneSquirrels